August 8, 2016

Here’s the new approach to increase your business: offer the “no commitment” option.

No-Commitment Workout: “Worried about sinking your workout time and money in a gym? Think about these stand-alone classes as a fitness tasting menu.” (Weight Watchers)

No-Commitment Pricing: “You may purchase a new phone without a contract at the no-commitment price. This non-discounted equipment purchase option does not require a two-year contract or other long-term service commitment.” (AT&T)

No Commitment Hockey: “Provides all of the benefits of a hockey league without the commitment. You will get competitive organized hockey on your schedule – on demand, where and when you want to play.” (Stinky Socks Hockey)

No Contract Commitment: “We don’t force you to accept any contract commitments because we know that you’ll like our service and want us to keep protecting you – month after month, year after year.” (Pointe Alarm)

No Commitment Sports: “WWE Network is now $9.99/month with no commitment. You’ll continue to get every LIVE pay-per-view, access to our massive on-demand library, without the six-month commitment.” (World Wrestling Entertainment)

Life in the 21st Century has been redefined: people expect all of the benefits, but accept no obligations. Consumption is positive; commitment is not. Freedom is presumed to be the absence of commitments, rather than the choice of commitments. Theme song: “Don’t Fence Me In.”

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes, but no plans.” (Peter Drucker)

“Without commitment, you cannot have depth in anything, whether it’s a relationship, a business or a hobby.” (Neil Strauss)

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” (Mario Andretti)

“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses – only results.” (Ken Blanchard)

“One person with commitment accomplishes more than a thousand with an opinion.” (Orrin Woodward)

“Commitment is a word invented in our abstract modernity to signify the absence of any real motives in the soul for moral dedication.” (Allan Bloom)

“The problem that we are facing in the church today is that we have so many Christians who have made a decision to believe in Jesus but not a commitment to follow Him. We have people who are planning to, meaning to, trying to, wanting to, going to, we just don’t have people who are doing it.” (Tyler Edwards)

Losers reject commitment; Leaders demonstrate it, and demand it.

For 20 years, we’ve offered participation in The Master’s Program to Christians who claim to be leaders. It requires commitment. The losers say, “No thanks;” the leaders say, “I’ll be there,” and they show up, and grow up, and – then – change the world and build God’s Kingdom.

Bob Shank